Halley Rossler

A local magazine sent out an email with an insiders view into their August publication. Inside the August issue an article jumped out from the page and made me stop and stare in disbelief. 

The title of this article is disappointing. The title alone indicates that this is written for the “cool kids”, which in my opinion perpetuates an ongoing problem we have in our public schools and schools in general. My first thought, please define the “cool kids” and what does being “cool” actually mean? While I’m sure the author did not intend to spark any type of issue or debate with this article, I think it’s important to bring basic awareness like this to the forefront! 

This article is in a local magazine that I admire for its ongoing discussions regarding adoption, foster care, infertility, sleep routines, parenting hacks, and so much more. This “cool kids” article does not belong in space. All kids are cool! All kids are important! All kids matter! 

Writing an article focused on the latest fall fashions or a guide for parents who want to know more about what their kids may want for fall, is 100% appropriate! I’m always trying to figure this fashion stuff out since I’m old and out of touch, but indicating this is for the “cool kids” is language that I find upsetting and disappointing from this publication. 

Knowing the upcoming fall fashion trends is great for any parent, but let’s be real, your child is cool regardless of what they wear, what brand of shoes they have, or if your child has the latest cell phone or a cell phone at all. What makes kids and people cool is who they are on the inside. 

Everyone is different and unique with incredible strengths and talents. It’s important as the adults in this world that we do not perpetuate the ongoing issue of the have and have-nots in our society today. Instead let’s focus on building others up and moving towards a culture of inclusion and acceptance of everyone.

I hope we can move away from articles written by adults that reinforce the issue of the idea that if you wear the cool clothes and have the cool gadgets, you will be a “cool kid” in school. Instead it would be great if can focus on promoting articles that inform while continuing to create a society of acceptance and inclusion. 

The article ends by insinuating that parents desire “cool points” with their kids. Sure, gaining cool points with your kids is “cool” because it may help grow a lasting connection. How we go about gaining cool points with our kids can be drastically different than buying them the latest electronic gadgets. Instead of running out to buy the latest trend to gain cool points, let’s start at home by building a relationship and growing a connection with our kids through our daily interactions. 

I decided to write my response to this article in hopes of bringing a little insight and perspective to the big picture of how our words and what we say can reinforce a culture of love and acceptable or it can reinforce a culture of the have and have-nots. I simply hope that as a society we can turn the corner of exclusion and what makes someone cool and create a community of acceptance of everyone regardless of their brand of cell phone or if they start school with the latest gadget.